Sandy council holds Alta Canyon Sports Center town hall on a rebuild capped at $40 million; no action taken
May 8, 2023, 6:00 p.m. · Council Chambers, Sandy City Hall, 10000 Centennial Parkway, and Zoom
Council Members Zach Robinson and Scott Earl, Mayor Monica Zoltanski and Parks and Recreation Director Dan Medina led a town hall at the Alta Canyon Sports Center on the center's history and future. The council has chosen a rebuild option capped at $40 million; residents asked about funding, taxes, parking and subsidies. The notes say all seven council members attended, and no action was taken.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Welcome and history of the Alta Canyon Sports Center | Discussed |
| Overview of city decisions on the center | Discussed |
| Discussion of the center's future | Discussed |
| Question and answer period | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1-2 · Parks
Welcome and history of the Alta Canyon Sports Center
Discussed
Robinson welcomed attendees and reviewed the agenda. Medina traced the center's history: the Alta Canyon Recreation Service District was formed and bonded in 1981 for the center and four parks, Sandy City took over maintenance and operations in 2002, the district had its only tax increase in 2007, a planned expansion and remodel was put on hold in 2008 during the recession, and a feasibility study was commissioned in 2021.
Item 3 · Parks
Overview of city decisions on the center
Discussed
Robinson said the council hired a consultant for the 2021 feasibility study, voted in 2023 to rebuild (Option D) with building costs capped at $40,000,000, and formed a citizen advisory committee. Council Members Cyndi Sharkey, Robinson and Earl proposed corporate sponsors and naming rights to help pay for the center.
- Budget$40.0 million
Item 4 · Parks
Discussion of the center's future
Discussed
Earl, a former parks and recreation director, said he strongly supports the center and noted parks administrative staff would move into the new building. The mayor invited the chief administrative officer to discuss the tax impact on special service district residents versus the city as a whole. Robinson said there are no plans for apartments on the site.
Item 5 · Parks
Question and answer period
Discussed
Residents asked about a Plan B and the city's ability to secure $20 million in private funding, a flat membership fee for all residents, funding and the subsidy needed, $10 million for parks administration office space, taxes, public-private funding and parking. Council Member Ryan Mecham said the center receives a general fund subsidy, so all Sandy residents contribute. Pat Jones opposed the new center and asked for a citywide survey; Dawn Sidwell said the center does not serve all residents. Council Member Brooke D'Sousa supported a new center that benefits all residents.
What residents said
Alta Canyon rebuild costSubsidy and taxesParkingPrivate funding
Residents who spoke during the question period included Mike Finnerty, Janet Johnson, Bruce Blanchard, Tom Christenson, Pat Jones and Dawn Sidwell; topics are in the Q&A item.